My last spinal was yesterday and it went very well.  No headache, no backache, and no drop in blood pressure.  I couldn’t fall asleep last night to save my life but actually feel good today. So with no more spinals means no more valium………its bitter sweet  

 Going to take it easy today anyway but tomorrow we plan to go out and about for the afternoon as we only have a few days left before coming home.  5 weeks really flew by but excited to see everyone back home, not so excited about the plane ride though, oh well, a means to an end.

Now that I’ve been feeling better we’ve gone on a few outings.  One was to the Silk Market and Silk Factory……….lets just say I bought some silk   It was actually very interesting, they took us through a little tour on the silk making process.  They boil the coccons, take out the silk worms and spread the wet silk.  The woman who works in the water with the silk is over 70 years old, they call her grandma and her hands look so young, very soft and smooth, amazing.  We asked what they do with the dead worms, they use everything, and so its grounded up to make skin care products………yup I bought some of that too. 

Today we took a drive up around tea mountain, absolutly beautiful and then to a pagoda that overlooked West Lake.  This place is truely beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like it.  I think sometimes we forget to appreciate the opportunities that happen to fall into our path, myself included.  I try to remember that whatever misery life throws our way, we are surrounded by so much beauty, we only have to look to see. 

Missing you but not the snow

Its American Thanksgiving today so happy Gobble Gobble to all you who celebrate this occasion.  Most of the floor has gone out for dinner but I felt a little under the weather…….bladder infection…….and with stem cells tomorrow I thought it better to stay closer to home.  Secretly I hope their eating pigion, not turkey ( cause its my favorite)………just kidding of course

Well there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of trouble to get myself into around here, but I promise to look harder in the coming weeks, until next time….

missing all you back home

Luv Les

Sorry it’s been awhile, but they were having problems with the bog site. So this may be a little long winded.  Well I had my first spinal stem cell treatment on Wednesday; it went well although a few things were different from the last time. First I got an IV drip because I’m not aloud to eat. Second I got anti-allergy shot. Third, I got a shot of Valium, weeeeeee, which took effect immediately.  My parents said I wouldn’t shut up J what can I say it was doctor prescribed.  But seriously the procedure went well, the lying flat for 6 hours sucked and as hard as I tried not to move, I got that headache that comes with spinal leakage.  Wicked, but it only lasted a day. 

The next day I went for my bone marrow extraction, which they were able to take from the back of my hip and not my sternum as I had feared.  This one required anesthetics and so I was taken to another floor where as soon as they gave me the goods I was asleep and before I knew it I was tapped on the shoulder and all done, nothing to it. While I was under I had a dream about my physio guy, Andy.  He was teaching me Chinese and I understood everything.  But when I woke up I couldn’t understand anything again. What I didn’t realize was some of my preliminary tests the week before determined whether I could have this done or not.  I learned a lot about my internal health too.  My heart is slightly enlarged…which increases risks, my heart rate is slower than normal, my lungs are better than they should be….pretty normal in fact…..who knew, the technician made a joke about how I did better than most Chinese patients.  I did have to stay on bed rest for 24 hours and I can’t shower for 3 days.  The only mark is a very small incision, it doesn’t hurt at all.  Today is a regular physio day and tomorrow off.  My next spinal will be on Monday…..until then, enjoy the snow back home suckers!!!!!

Just in case I had any doubts of how small this world is, my physio guy here was in Shenzhen when I was there the last time and recognized me when I came in.  His name is Andy and he is very nice, but I’m saying this after only one acupuncture session:)  The nurses, doctors, and interpreters are all so nice here.  I’m just starting to get to know people but so far so good.  Monday is really the beginning, starting with 2 sessions of Electrical Wave Therapy, Acupunture, Physical Therapy, and standing sessions.  I’ll go into greater detail as things progress, but for now I’ll keep it simple.  So now that your all caught up, I’ll be writing whenever something new and interesting happens or when I’m bored and just feel like babbling to whoever will listen.

So far, my pain is still less. It is not gone away but it is tolerable, I haven’t had to take anything for pain in over 5 weeks. To be able to wake up in the morning and take a deep breath without cringing in pain is worth more than I could ever put into words. I still haven’t had a bladder infection since I’ve been back….lets hope they stay away. And just recently I’ve been able to flex the muscles in my lower back, its stronger on my left than my right. In general I feel better, stronger, my transfers (with board) are easier, and I can now get into my equipement without assistance.

All in all it was more than worth the trip to China, my quality of life has improved dramatically. Something I never thought I would get back……truely remarkable.

Skepticism is only an enemy of the mind.

What an experience……I want to thank everyone who shared this adventure with me. From the nurses and doctors, the Beike staff, new friends from around the world, and friends and family at home, without which I would not have had the strength to see it through. It has been an honor to know each and everyone of you, may your life be blessed with health and happiness.

With Much Love,

Leslie

On Sunday a group of us went on a shopping expedition to the Luo Hu shopping center, where we were dropped off underground and were completely clueless as to which direction to go. Some strange dude happened by and started wheeling me away (Mom had a mild stroke and then understood he meant no harm) I managed to speak a little chinese and tell this man that we wanted to go to the 5th floor, where we were supposed to meet the rest of our group, he assumed I could speak fluent mandarin and proceeded to speak rapidly to which I just nodded and smiled. Strange man where ever you are xie xie. Shopping was a blur of missy missy you want purse, you want watch, DVD, missy missy. All I can say is that my mom is the best negotiator ever and she ticked off a mass of chinese people and got me some great deals. While shopping I had to go to the bathroom and I don’t think I need to explain how unaccessable the bathroom was so I decided when in Rome…… and cathed in the corner. Let me tell you some people had great stories for the dinner table that night. Dad you would have loved the shopping experience, especially the golf store, sorry you missed it.

My 5th stem cell treatment brought another mild stroke for my mom because I was in the room for longer than expected. Not to worry, there were some slight problems with finding a good place to inject the cells and of course finding a vein for the nerve growth factor. The next day I had only a small headache but I ended up with a bruise on my lower back at the injection sight. I received a painkiller, which helped but I’m told the pain will last a few days. My final treatment is on Friday and is an IV treatment, then home sweet home on Sunday.

I had my 4th stem cell treatment on Wednesday, this one was a spinal. I was the first to go in and so I had a lovely window view. When he put the needle in, yes I felt it, my right leg freaked out. Other than that it went very well, but no smack on the butt, I gotta be honest….I was disapointed. Even the tiny nurses who put me on my back counted to three and ta da, no problem. I said ‘nice work ladies’ and they clapped and giggled. On the way out I caught a glimpse of the needle they use and quickly shut my eyes. Big….enough said. 6 hour on my back, same old boring, next time I’m opting for the sleepy meds first. Had a headache the next day so I took it easy and even the next day, still had a small headache. Today all good and no more headache. Only 2 more treatments to go, one spinal and one IV. And only 7 days left, wow time flew by. I miss home so much but at the same time it will be hard to leave all these wonderful people behind.

P.S. Julie G. my mom says she thinks of you every morning:)